EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Akwa Ibom Ex-Governorship Candidate, Emem Coffie, Under Police Probe Over ₦245 Million Luxury Property Fraud In Abuja — Shuns Multiple Police Invitations

EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Akwa Ibom Ex-Governorship Candidate, Emem Coffie, Under Police Probe Over ₦245 Million Luxury Property Fraud In Abuja — Shuns Multiple Police Invitations

In a dramatic twist that has gripped both the political and real estate circles, the Nigeria Police Force has launched a full-scale investigation into an alleged multi-million-naira property fraud involving Engineer Emem Coffie, the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governorship Candidate of the Accord Party.

According to credible sources within the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, Coffie is being probed over allegations of defrauding a female client, Mrs. Benedicta Akpava, to the tune of ₦245 million in what was supposed to be a luxury duplex purchase in the highbrow Wuye District of Abuja.

Documents obtained by our correspondent reveal that Mrs. Akpava, an Abuja-based businesswoman, had approached Coffie for the acquisition of a luxury duplex located in the prime Wuye area. The deal, initially presented as a legitimate transaction, quickly turned sour when the property was allegedly discovered not to belong to Coffie nor to any entity legitimately linked to him.

Mrs. Akpava, in her petition to the Inspector-General of Police, detailed how she paid the full amount through legal and verifiable channels, only to later uncover that the documents provided by Coffie were allegedly forged and invalid. She accused the ex-governorship hopeful of using his political and professional profile to lure unsuspecting investors into fraudulent real estate transactions.

A senior police officer familiar with the case confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that several invitations have been sent to Coffie, all of which have reportedly been ignored.

“The suspect has been invited more than once to appear and respond to the allegations, but he has refused to honour the invitations,” the source said. “We are exploring all legal means to ensure he appears before investigators.”

It was gathered that the police are also investigating possible accomplices and tracing the money trail, as the alleged transaction involved multiple bank accounts and intermediaries.

In her statement, Mrs. Akpava expressed frustration and emotional distress over the incident, describing it as a “deep betrayal” by someone she trusted.

 “I invested my hard-earned money believing I was dealing with a credible individual. I never imagined that someone who once contested for governor could stoop so low to defraud an innocent person,” she lamented.

She further appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that justice is served and that other unsuspecting citizens are protected from similar scams.

Engineer Emem Coffie who rose to prominence during the 2023 general elections when he contested for the governorship seat of Akwa Ibom State under the Accord Party. Prior to his political venture, he was known in the construction and real estate sectors, where he managed multiple projects in Lagos and Abuja.

However, sources claim that in recent months, Coffie has been linked to several questionable property deals across the Federal Capital Territory. Some of his former business associates, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the politician had been facing mounting financial troubles following his unsuccessful governorship bid.

The Force Public Relations Officer, when contacted, confirmed that the case has been referred to the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) for thorough investigation. He assured the public that the matter would be pursued to a logical conclusion, emphasizing that no one is above the law, regardless of political status.

 “The Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring justice in all fraud-related matters. Once the investigation is concluded, anyone found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the police spokesperson said.